Brazil vs. Colombia at 2014 World Cup: Predictions, Preview, Lineup, Live Stream Free, Schedule, Univision 'En Vivo'
If Brazil is going to advance to the semifinal round in their bid to win the 2014 World Cup in their own country, they are going to have to knockoff the most exciting team left in the tournament -- Colombia. The quarterfinal match starts at 4 p.m. ET, July 4, and can be watched on TV or live online streaming via the ESPN network.
The Colombia squad had no problem defeating Uruguay on their way to advancing to this stage, and they've made it look easy. Brazil, on the other hand, has struggled in what was supposed to be their year and their tournament. It will take everything Neymar and company can muster to stave off the charging Colombian club.
When: Friday, July 4th
Where: Estadio Castelao, Fortaleza
Kick-off: 4 pm ET/9 pm BST
Live Stream: ESPN Player, ITV Player, Univision 'Mundial En Vivo'
TV: ESPN (US), ITV1 (UK)
Team News
Accoridng to SBNation, Colombia's coach, José Pékerman, has made few changes to his starting lineup so far this tournament, and that probably won't change against Brazil. For Brazil Scolari did insert Fernandinho in place of Paulinho last match. Other than Neymar's nagging knee and thigh issues, there do not appear to be any injury concerns for either team heading into Friday's showdown. Look for Jackson Martinez to keep his spot ahead of Victor Ibarbo as Martinez played very well for Colombia in their last few matches.
Projected Lineups
Brazil (4-2-3-1): Júlio César; Marcelo, David Luiz, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves; Fernandinho, Paulinho; Hulk, Neymar, Oscar; Fred.
Colombia (4-2-3-1): David Ospina; Pablo Armero, Mario Yepes, Cristián Zapata, Juan Zúñiga; Carlos Sánchez, Abel Aguilar; Jackson Martínez, James Rodríguez, Juan Cuadrado; Teófilo Gutiérrez.
Prediction
If Brazil refuses to curb its over-reliance on their star Neymar and continues to look as disorganized on the pitch as they have so far this tournament, it is hard to envision them making it past Colombia, to say nothing of the final match and its trophy. With James Rodriguez, the tournament's leading scorer, the Colombian attack is among the tournament's best, but look for Brazil to find a way to avoid what would be a huge disappointment. Brazil 3-2.